Festive Fashionistas

It's come around again! Slowly seeping into our homes, crowding up the malls, emptying out our purses.. Christmas! The whole festive season leaves much to be cynical about yet I, (thanks to my gorgeous mother) never fail to see only the good that this time brings. Time for travel, time for giving, sharing good company and new memories. It's a sort of homey time, bringing up childhood joys and the need to be surrounded by family and friends. So, with the Christmas spirit in the air and plans for Christmas dinners, lunches and fabulous nights out on the town, all coming together, what will you be wearing?

If you are any form of fashionista you're all sorted, you've bought at least three new holiday looks or at least planned the reinvention of last years party dress to fall into this years trends. Whether you'll be at home or painting the town, it's time to get fashionably festive!

If like me you're spending Christmas at home or with relatives, helping in the kitchen, playing with kids, enjoying a fabulous meal. Here's the best way to stay fashionably festive. There's not much room to be over the top here, so it's definitely a toned down look. You'll need comfort and ease (especially in the waistband if you're planning on a second helping of pudding) with just a touch of Christmas glam. If you're a jeans girl, great, pair with a red T or fitted tank. White works too, then all you need is a glossy red mani or pedi. Any classically casual chic outfit works for this day and shows a little spirit when accessorised with red. I myself have two outfits planned for this day. First are my ultra cute red pyjama pants, printed with presents and bows. All the family get together and open gifts and early morning pics are shot. So even in my sleep wear I've got to show my spirit! My casual choice for the day is a new little 'onesy' or short jumpsuit, in a tiny red and white check. The jumpsuit is my favourite trend this season and when I saw one in red and white I new it was mine. Elasticated in the waist, light and cool, it's a winner!

Having Christmas cocktails? Out and about experiencing Christmas at night? Gotta glam it up girls! The easiest way to look fab and still feel comfortable, (because let's face it, I may be making Christmas about fashion, but we all know its about the food) is the sexy shift. Hiding any expanding waistlines and showing off the legs, this dress is the 'Go To'. If you find one in red and don't mind looking a little like Santa's helper, go for it, but I'm leaning towards black, white, a midnight blue or navy and even silver or gold sequins. The shape of this dress is so simple you can afford to be flashy. Accessories, like I said, RED RED RED! Red nails, red clutch, red shoes. Headbands always make a statement, don one of these in metallics, don't forget the over-sized cocktail ring and voi-la! Slip on a killer heel, stacked heels or platforms are the only way to go, and you're done. Another super hot trend for now is men's wear. A tuxedo jacket or sharp-shouldered blazer with cigarette pants and fitted T or tailored shirt are key items for edgy, evening with a twist. Keep hair slick and simple, long and straight or smoothed into a pony tail. A red lip and matching mani, the perfect shoe, and the confidence to pull this one off and you just might land yourself some fashion fame.

Those are the 'do's' for day and night to ensure you stay hip for the holidays and fabulously festive. Here are the 'don'ts' for wherever you find yourself this Christmas, at any time, in any situation.

Always carry a small make-up kit. Don't get caught with shiny skin or bare lips in holiday pics.

If you're trying out the men's wear trend and you're not quite sure if you're getting it right.. Guideline: If you actually look like a man you've got it wrong.

Cleavage and lurex during the day are never a good Idea. And unless you're attending a full on fancy dress as Santa's sexy helper, I'm going to have to say, actually, never.

If the only red bag you have is your day bag , do not pair with your evening dress. I know I say accessorise with red but I also say, never wear your day bag with your evening dress...invest in a clutch.

Cocktail in the hand, fabulous. Cocktail on the cocktail dress, trashy. Either know your limit or drink drinks that don't stain and keep the Seltzer near by.

Now this may be the small town in me rearing it's little head but I've got to say that I am a huge fan of the Santa hat. And I'm not talking about your R10 side-of-the-road special, I mean the lovely fluffy, velvety ones that look like they come straight from the North Pole.

Santa hats: 

Over Christmas morning coffee - Cute

At the dinner table - Super festive

With your favourite LBD - Fashion meets fun

During Christmas eve cocktails - A party fave

Paired with boy shorts and a tank - Ultra sexy

Having all your holiday pics screaming Christmas, Festivity and Fun - Priceless

Wishing you all a holiday filled with love and laughter and all the fashionable festivity in the world.

Yours in style,

Melissa Jane 

xoxo

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. - Bill McKibben